preparing your car for a road trip

If your car windshield has a large cracked area on the passenger side, you may be tempted to put off having it replaced since it doesn't interfere with your ability to see as you drive. However, when you have a damaged windshield, you need to get it fixed by a company like Coats Auto Body and Paint as soon as you can. If the crack is very big, it may not even be safe to drive your car. Here's why you don't want to drive a car with a damaged windshield.

Airbags May Knock Out The Glass

If you're involved in an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, they might knock out the windshield if it isn't secure. When the airbags inflate, they put a lot of pressure on the glass, so if it is broken, the bags may knock it all the way out. This can also happen if you choose an inexperienced company to replace your windshield. The glass has to be secured properly with adhesive so it stays in place and protects you when there is an accident. For this reason, you want to choose a windshield replacement company with experience and a good reputation in your community, even if you have to pay more. That way you can feel confident the job is done right.

Car Roof May Collapse In An Accident

The windshield has a few different jobs. One is to keep things from flying into your face while you're driving. Another is to keep you from flying out of the car in an accident. A third important job is to hold up the car roof. A windshield is extremely strong when it is installed properly. It has two sheets of strong glass with vinyl between them. When the glass is popped into place and secured with adhesive, it supports the roof. If the windshield fails in a car crash, the roof can collapse and kill or hurt you. For that reason, you don't want to drive with a windshield that has damage and can collapse easily.

The Damage Will Spread

Just because the damaged portion of the glass is on the passenger side and of no bother to you now, that doesn't mean it will stay that way. If you hit a speed bump or drive through a cool rain on a hot day, the crack may suddenly spread all the way across the glass. You don't want anything to unexpectedly block your vision as you're driving. It's a gamble when you drive with a damaged windshield because you never know when the crack will suddenly expand.

It's Illegal To Drive With A Damaged Windshield

A safe windshield is so important that it is a traffic violation to drive your vehicle when the glass is damaged. If you're putting off repairs because you can't afford them, you may end up paying more in fines for driving with a damaged windshield. If you can't afford to pay for the replacement of the windshield, talk to your insurance company. It's possible your policy will cover the replacement so you don't have to pay anything at all.

Replacing a windshield goes quickly and it can be done at your home or office for your convenience. Stay safe on the road and don't delay getting your windshield replaced. With the new glass in place, you can drive without worrying about the glass failing and causing further damage or an accident.

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About Me

Are you getting ready for a big summer road trip? If so, is your car ready to make that trip? There are a lot of things that should be inspected prior to loading up your family for a fun road trip. My blog includes a step-by-step guide that can assist you in determining if your car is ready to make the trip safely and without issue. There, you will also find a list of emergency supplies you should keep in the car and advice for getting the car ready for the trip. Hopefully, my information will help your family enjoy the trip and not find yourselves stuck along the road somewhere.